Use of isolated domains of type IV collagen to modify cell and tissue interactions

Abstract

The instant invention demonstrates that the 7S domain of type IV collagen disrupts cell aggregation and tissue development. Structural changes in mesoglea, inhibition of cell proliferation, and changes in cell differentiation patterns accompanies the blockage of cell aggregates which indicate that blockage may be due to alterations in mesoglea (extracellular matrix) structure with accompanying effects on cell behavior. Type IV collagen has a critical role in the initial formation of mesoglea and that perturbation of mesoglea formation affects cell division, cell differentiation, and morphogenesis.

What we claim is:  
     
       1. A method for inhibiting basal lamina membrane formation in cell or tissue development comprising contacting the cell or tissue with an effective inhibiting amount of a polypeptide composition comprising an isolated type IV collagen NC1 chain monomer. 
     
     
       2. A method for disrupting basal lamina contact formation with cells or tissues comprising contacting the cells or tissues with an effective inhibiting amount of a polypeptide composition comprising an isolated type IV collagen NC1 chain monomer. 
     
     
       3. A method for inhibiting angiogenesis in tissue comprising contacting said tissue with an effective inhibiting amount of a polypeptide composition comprising an isolated type IV collagen NC1 chain monomer. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein the NC1 chain monomer comprises an NC1 α1 chain monomer. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein the NC1 chain monomer comprises an NC1 α2 chain monomer. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 2  wherein the NC1 chain monomer comprises an NC1 α1 chain monomer. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 2  wherein the NC1 chain monomer comprises an NC1 α2 chain monomer. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 3  wherein the NC1 chain monomer comprises an NC1 α1 chain monomer. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 3  wherein the NC1 chain monomer comprises an NC1 α2 chain monomer. 
     
     
       10. A method for inhibiting tumor-induced angiogenesis in tissue comprising contacting said tissue with an effective inhibiting amount of one or more isolated domains of type IV collagen NC1 chain monomer. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10  wherein the isolated domain of type IV collagen comprises an NC1 α1 chain monomer. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10  wherein the isolated domain of type IV collagen comprises an NC1 α2 chain monomer.